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Saturday, March 15, 2014

The air that we breathe

Hazy horizons

Breathing in the fresh
countryside air isn’t always as idyllic as it sounds. This week the farmers
have had a major manure spraying session leaving the village a stinky
place to be. Thankfully, as the weather has been good lots of us (me included)
have been out mowing, so the aroma of fresh cut grass has sweetened the air a
little.

Unfortunately this early good
weather has given France a problem with it’s air quality leaving the majority
of regions on a high pollution alert. I am no meteorologist, but from the
articles I’ve read in the French press it seems the cold nights and dry warm
days have led to a build up of small dust like particles in the air. The lack
of wind has left these pollutants suspended in the air, giving a smog-like film
over the cities. Here in the countryside the horizon has been hazy all week,
even on the sunny days and today it has taken until late afternoon to see the
sun at all. With the springtime rise in pollen, those with allergies are being
warned to take care. Thankfully we are not a hay-fever suffering family,
although Ed has complained of sore eyes a few evenings this week.

In an attempt to reduce traffic
pollution many of the larger cities have been promoting the benefits of car
sharing and are encouraging the use of public transport this weekend by offering it
for free. There are also speed limit restrictions in place on many of the motorways. If
you are out and about in France this weekend, although facemasks are probably
not necessary just yet, do take care and think before you drive.

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